Chapter Nineteen

Kayana's demands were as frequent as they were petty.

'Bring a glass of water, chilled, not cold.'

'Ask the staff to take the seeds out of the blue grapes; bring ten up on the silver tray I am fond of.'

'Adjust the plants so the leaves take on the light.'

Demetrius was surprised she hadn't yet asked him to filter the air she breathed from impurities or that his feet had not worn tracks on the floor.

As soon as he went to sit down, that damned bell would once again sound, the musical tinkle becoming as sickening as the high howl of a dying feline.

Adi, regardless of what face he wore, looked amused.

"Get used to it; she ain't one to tire of this," he said, grinning broadly as he finished seasoning the fish. Most of the pepper and herbs stuck to his front rather than on the pink flesh. "The servant wears out well before she does."